Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
“That show put me to sleep” isn’t traditionally meant to be a complimentary phrase. The term “snooze-inducing” is an insult if directed at scripted programs like Stranger Things, Westworld, or the ’90s NBC sitcom Wings, but when discussing the tranquil delight known as Chill with Bob Ross, “snooze-inducing” is the highest of compliments.
For those unfamiliar, Bob Ross was the host of the long-running PBS series The Joy of Painting, a simple yet mesmerizing program that featured the renowned artist having informative, instructional conversations about life and art with his audience all while painting a beautiful landscape. Chill with Bob Ross, which is now streaming on Netflix, highlights a number of episodes from the series that focus on the talented painter’s wintry creations.
A guru of relaxation, Bob Ross possesses the calm, singsong voice of an angel. His dulcet tone and meandering conversational style puts viewers at absolute ease as he gradually constructs a picaresque landscape. Bob Ross is not only the soothing cup of hot cocoa at the end of a stressful day, he’s the ideal seasonal antidote to that pesky old grinch known as insomnia.
As someone who’s had a lifelong adversarial relationship with that elusive treasure known as sleep, Chill with Bob Ross has been a welcome addition to my nighttime routine. When dealing with insomnia, your nocturnal viewing habits are vital to a good night’s sleep. Forensic Files worked for a bit, but then I became too invested in the cases. Thanks for nothing, SCIENCE. Ross’ serene voice and continuous dialogue makes it appear as though he’s reading you the most uneventful children’s story of all time, which is perfect for someone attempting to dive headfirst into a cozy slumber. Adding to the warm and fuzzy feeling is his optimistic disposition and constant encouragement, which has helped to transform Bob Ross, who sadly passed away back in 1995, into the favorite uncle of the internet.
You don’t need to be an adept artist to enjoy Chill with Bob Ross. On a scale from Van Gogh to a barely functioning Lite-Brite, my artistic ability is “drunk finger painting.” But just because I can’t create beauty doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate beauty, and if you really think about it, isn’t that the true definition of beauty?
No. No it isn’t. Not even a little bit. But beauty is indeed subjective, and one of the reasons Ross has remained so enduringly popularity is that his show can be enjoyed for a variety of different reasons by a variety of different people. “Let your imagination take you wherever you want to go,” Ross instructs during one episode. At night, I want my imagination to pop an Ambien and chill the F out, and Bob Ross’ hypnotic series has helped me to do just that.
Whether you’re a fussy sleeper or have the ability to zonk out during a sold out Smash Mouth concert at Madison Square Garden like an all star, Chill with Bob Ross will give you happy thoughts and pleasant dreams as you drift off to sleep.
